Paisley Daily Express

Gaffer Jack Ross leads the way as Buddies gather up gongs

- Craig Ritchie

St Mirren were the toast of the party as they raked in the gongs at the annual PFA awards.

Saints manager Jack Ross bagged the coveted PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award after leading the Saints to the Championsh­ip this season.

The Buddies finished 12 points clear of second-placed Livingston and sealed their return to the top flight after three years away.

The 41- year- old beat off illustriou­s competitio­n in the shape of Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who is in line to complete a historic double-treble.

Hibernian manager Neil Lennon and Kilmarnock’s Steve Clarke were also among the shortlist.

Ross said: “I’m delighted, proud. I’m surprised to win the award given the calibre of the other nominees and what they’ve achieved, not only this season but the game in general.

“First and foremost I was just delighted to be nominated in that company, but to receive the award is a tremendous honour, particular­ly when it’s voted on by managers throughout the country as well.”

And St Mirren winger Lewis Morgan bagged the Championsh­ip Player of the Year award following a stellar season in the black and white stripes.

Morgan headed the votes, ahead of teammate Cammy Smith, Livingston’s Craig Halkett, and Queen of the South’s Stephen Dobbie.

And Morgan thanked his manager having flourished under his leadership.

He added: “Obviously everyone has bought into the manager’s ideas and thoughts, what he wants from us. And the manager himself, everyone knows obviously, his stock is rising and rightly so – he’s been terrific for the club.

“The turnaround has been amazing and I think the team ethic has really been what has pushed us over the line this year.”

There was further recognitio­n for St Mirren’s Championsh­ipwinning side, with five players named in the league’s Team of the Year.

Morgan and Cammy Smith, fixtures of the Saints side this season, claimed their spots.

Meanwhile, full back Liam Smith’s was the only defender from the club recognised by the awards.

Skipper Stephen McGinn earned a spot in the side’s midfield, while Gavin Reilly was recognised for his record-breaking season on the scoring front.

 ??  ?? Top man Scotland manager Alex McLeish presents St Mirren’s Jack Ross with the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year Award
Top man Scotland manager Alex McLeish presents St Mirren’s Jack Ross with the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year Award
 ??  ?? Proud Former Manchester United star Brian McClair presents St Mirren’s Lewis Morgan with the PFA Scotland Championsh­ip Player of the Year Award
Proud Former Manchester United star Brian McClair presents St Mirren’s Lewis Morgan with the PFA Scotland Championsh­ip Player of the Year Award

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